By EMILY DOMINICI
The Scene
February has arrived and love is in the air.
Sure, it is in a serious power struggle with the snow, but I am confident that love will win, because love never fails.
It's true. The Bible tells me so!
All of you lovebirds out there are probably making plans for Valentine's Day - that special day when we celebrate love and our loved ones.
There are the usual ways to show affection - a.k.a. chocolates and roses - which are great gifts, but if you are looking to add a personal touch to your Valentine's Day this year, why not try making your own special fortune cookies? The following recipe from ehow.com explains exactly how to do it:
What you'll need:
5 egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup melted unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Valentine messages (about 5 dozen)
Optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring
- Colored sugar, sprinkles, jimmies
- 1/2 pound melted chocolate or white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
STEP 1 - Making the dough - part 1
In a large bowl, blend the egg whites with sugar and salt. Mix until sugar has dissolved (mixture should be shiny, smooth and thick) Slowly fold butter into egg-sugar mixture.
STEP 2 - Making the dough - part 2
Mix in flour, folding well. Next add almond extract, again blending well. This step will complete making the fortune cookie batter.
STEP 3 - Print messages
Make and print your own special messages. Be creative! Make them personal! Your valentine will love it! The messages can be printed from your computer or hand written, using special papers and colored inks.
STEP 4 - Bake
Position the rack in the center of the oven. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Drop batter by teaspoonfuls onto a greased or non-stick baking sheet, spacing each batter drop at least 2" apart. Bake 7 to 10 minutes or until cookies are golden and edges are lightly browned. Bake only one cookie sheet at a time.
STEP 5 - Shape
Remove cookies from heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes. While the cookies are still warm, quickly position a message in the center of the cookie. Fold in half to secure the message, then bend 2/3 way to form a crescent shape. Cool completely before storing in a cookie jar.
STEP 6 - Store
Now you can add embellishments if you prefer (see variations below), and you can package your homemade fortune cookies in a Chinese take-out type box that can be purchased at any craft store. Tie the box with a festive ribbon.
Variations;
- Use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in step 2 to make a vanilla flavored version.
- Use 2 tablespoons cocoa powder in step 2 to make a chocolate variety.
- Use 1 or 2 drops of food coloring in step 2 to make colored cookies.
- Dip baked fortune cookies in melted white/dark chocolate then roll in sprinkles or jimmies.
- Drizzle baked fortune cookies with melted chocolate.
And there you have it! These unique cookies will be sure to add something extra special to your Valentine's Day this year.
May all of your fortunes come true!
Dominici obtained information for this article at ehow.com. She may be reached at edom@timesleaderonline.com.
